Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/208368
IGT13 11/7/13 4:32 PM Page 1 Calgary BRITISH COLUMBIA panoramic views of the lake. Overlooking ALBERTA Kelowna the Columbia basin, Desert Canyon Golf Cranbrook Resort, 17 miles south of Chelan, is a Lethbridge Vancouver Trail stunning desert course featuring 18Osoyoos 1 Creston holes of championship golf that has been Bellingham WHATCOM ranked #2 in the state. In the tourist town Whitefish COUNTY Victoria of Leavenworth, you can enjoy the Omak Sandpoint Bavarian ambiance while playing an CHELAN Kalispell I5 FLATHEAD VALLEY amazing putting course. The Enzian Falls Port Angeles VALLEY Chelan Spokane Championship Putting Course has natural Coeur d'Aene Seattle bent grass greens and is great for sharpening MONTANA Wenatchee your flat stick game. THE INLAND IDAHO Tacoma The big news in Washington State is the opening of Salish Cliffs in Shelton 20 minutes from Olympia. The much-anticipated Gene Bates-design is an amenity of the Squaxin Island Tribe' Little Creek Casino Resort and features a par-72, 7,269-yard layout with 360-degree views of Kamilche Valley, 600' of elevation changes and 16 of 18 holes lined with trees. The clubhouse has a wraparound porch and mezzanine that overlook holes 9 and 18, which share a 15,000-square-foot green. "Salish Cliffs is a special course, one we hope golfers will rate among North America's finest," says HP David Kass, PGA. Tee times will be open to public on first-come, first-served basis. Rates are $89 for 18 holes. www.salish-cliffs.com, 800.667.7711. KITSAP PENINSULA EMPIRE I90 PAN HANDLE Missoula Pullman IDAHO WASHINGTON 100 200 300 300 Miles Portland 500 KM 100 THE INLAND EMPIRE / IDAHO PANHANDLE The area around Spokane, or as it is sometimes called, "The Inland Empire" on the Washington side of the state border features some of the top courses in the Pacific Northwest but the prices are also below any of the other metropolitan areas in the Northwest. The centerpiece, of course, is the world-class Coeur 200 300 400 500 d'Alene resort that has gained national and international attention and is ranked as one of best resorts in the world by Golf Digest. Players are transported from the Resort to the golf course via handcrafted mahogany lake shuttles, dubbed The Eagle & The Double Eagle. Once at the golf course, you are greeted at the dock by your group's personal forecaddie for the day. There are 18 great holes here but it is the world renowned 14th hole, the world's only par 3 floating movable island green that every player is waiting for. Don't be intimidated by the 15,000 sq. ft. putting surface as it beckons, quietly floating from110 to 185 yards off the lakeshore. Then board the Putter Boat shuttle, and enjoy the short ride over to what is hopefully a birdie putt. And remember, everything breaks towards the water. The City of Spokane owns four popular courses in Indian Canyon, The Creek at Qualchan, Downriver and Esmeralda. They are all popular and for less than $30, all are affordable. Circling Raven, just about a half-hour south of Coeur d'Alene, is owned by the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe. This course was part of a $30 million expansion project. This superb course plays to 7,189 yards from the tips and is spread out over a generous 400 acres. Adjacent to the course is the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel. Before or after your round, Twisted Earth Grill in the clubhouse specializes in generous sandwiches, soups, snacks and cocktails. Table dining is available inside or at the bar, or head out to the patio to enjoy the wetlands views. Their stay-and-play packages include deluxe accommodations in the Spa Tower and 18 holes for two. Summer rates (May 18th – Sept. 30th) Sunday to Thursday are just $249 while Friday or Saturday CIRCLING RAVEN Continued On Next page H